I’m currently on my review trip to Hong Kong, and just wrapped up a quick stay at the St. Regis Hong Kong. This is one of the points hotels that I’ve most wanted to stay at, so I’m glad I had the chance to do so on this trip. While I’ll have a full review soon, I want to share a couple of quick thoughts on the property.
Long story short, there’s a lot to like about this hotel, and I had a great stay. However, I’m not sure I’d return, but that’s not to say that I wouldn’t recommend the hotel for others.
In this post:
There’s a lot to like about the St. Regis Hong Kong
The St. Regis Hong Kong is an excellent hotel in nearly every way, and I had a very enjoyable stay. The property’s design is gorgeous, and feels grand and intimate at the same time.
The rooms at the hotel are also nicely designed, and in line with my style preferences. While I didn’t get a suite upgrade (none were available), I got a very nice corner room on the top floor. The bed couldn’t have been more comfortable, the bathroom was great (particularly the shower pressure), and I found the room design to be super functional.
Beyond that, service at the St. Regis is excellent. All the staff I interacted with were incredibly kind, and went above and beyond to ensure guests had a great stay. Like, staff in the lobby restaurant would remember guest names and preferences, which is impressive. While the lobby feels pretty grand, the hotel still has a boutique vibe to it, which I like.
I also love how the St. Regis Hong Kong offers butler service in all rooms, including coffee and tea service. This hotel also has the most generous execution I’ve seen on this benefit. 24/7 you can order unlimited coffee, tea, and orange juice to your room. And we’re not just talking drip coffee but even iced lattes, cappuccinos, etc.
The hotel also has a strong food & beverage game. There are two restaurants each with two Michelin stars, which is super impressive. On top of that, there’s The Drawing Room (the lobby lounge), and the St. Regis Bar.
Breakfast is served in the Drawing Room, and I love it — it’s not a buffet, but instead, it’s an unlimited a la carte concept, so you can order as much as you’d like, all freshly prepared. For example, I had the Japanese set breakfast, and ordered a Korean cronut (I was intrigued, and couldn’t resist).
Why I’d stay somewhere else next time
I’d absolutely recommend the St. Regis, and I had a great stay. However, I don’t think I’d stay again. Why? Well, let me explain…
Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world, and to me, Victoria Harbour is probably the most electrifying view that exists on earth. In a lot of places, I don’t think it’s worth paying the money for a room with a view, given how pricey it could be.
However, Hong Kong is a city where a view means so much to me. Just give me a good view of the harbor, and I’m a very happy camper. I don’t really care if I’m on the Kowloon side or the Hong Kong Island side, I just love to look at Victoria Harbour.
The St. Regis Hong Kong is located on Hong Kong Island, in the Wan Chai area. I like the area in general, but the issue is that the hotel doesn’t really have great views. For example, the only room categories described as offering harbor views are the presidential suite and one suite below that, so that’s going to be out of my budget. 😉
The other best category is for partial harbor views, and that’s the room I was in. I was even in a corner room on the top floor. Below is what the view looked like from my room.
The issue is twofold. For one, you don’t have much of a harbor view. Yes, you can see a small part of it, but it doesn’t capture the essence. Second, though, you’re really close to another building, so you don’t feel like you have much privacy.
To be clear, the hotel doesn’t pretend it offers amazing harbor views, or anything, so I knew this going in. But having stayed there, I realized how much I value having great views in Hong Kong. Next time I’d go out of my way to stay at a hotel known for views, since that’s the single feature I value most in a Hong Kong hotel.
Again, that’s just me. It’s not a knock on the hotel, which is great, it’s just a specific preference I have in Hong Kong, which I don’t necessarily have in the same way in other cities.
Bottom line
The St. Regis Hong Kong is a lovely hotel, and an asset to the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. If you want a hotel with beautiful rooms, great service, and excellent restaurants, stay here. I had a very good stay, though I was just kind of sad about the lack of views from the hotel.
Obviously I knew the lack of views going in, since the hotel isn’t misleading guests, or anything. However, having experienced it, I’d definitely prioritize staying at a hotel with views next time. But that’s just me…
If you’ve stayed at the St. Regis Hong Kong, what was your experience like?
You have to trust the CCP to travel to HK. As an American, I do not.
It would be great if you continue to comment on the water pressure for your future hotel stays, as I find that important. Nothing worse than spending 1200-2500 euros/night and the water pressure is weak. Thanks.
Four Seasons harbor view room is also hard to beat
Rosewood HK is unbeatable
The best view of Victoria Harbour is Regent Hong Kong, SECOND TO NONE. Worthy any penny!
Kowloon shangri la has good harbour views.
I’m currently staying at the Renaissance in Wan Chai. It probably has the best views of any Marriott property in Hong Kong.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Are you kidding me!? The Ritz-Carlton has the best view!
Guess it's time to go back to IHG and stay at the Regent.
This is a shame. They do have rooms with good views, and frankly, I can't understand you didn't get one! :(
When we were there last time, the head chef cooked our omelettes to order, which was such a nice touch. I really appreciated the effort they made.
You have to check St. Regis Shanghai on the Bund it's the most gorgeous hotel ever!
If you want views on Kowloon side, the Regent with a harbor view room can't be beaten. You basically have the HK skyline view all day (and night). On the island side, I think Shangri-La / Conrad are nice, or the Grand Hyatt. People are telling me that the GH has the best Grand Club lounge of any GH.
I mostly stay at the JW Marriott - always great views. (Conrad is behind it). Connected to Pacific Place and the train. Great Lounge with chef.
Lucky, Lucky, Lucky...
Son, you have been dispached from Egypt. You are pressing your luck (pun intended) in Hong Kong. You are running out of sancturary locations for travel writers to report on.
This was not a good time to stop sniffing glue.
And I know that you are now thinking "Lighten up Francis"
If the harbor is such a big deal for you, didn't you do any research before booking this hotel? The St. Regis was primarily built to serve the Convention Center, which holds mega events on a daily basis, as well as the nearby corporations that host frequent business people from out of town. It's less of a tourist hotel.
Lucky checking which properties take his available points is a kind of hotel research……..
I mean, he did acknowledge that......
I was there last summer. In life time platinum, apply SUA and final got upgrade to a huge room. Staff told me that the room is just 1 level down from presidential suite. Plus one bonus, free valet parking for elite (platinum or above) this can save like $600 HKD (approx $80 USD). So far that the only hotel I’ve found that offer free parking in HK for elite member (beside Hyatt)
But who drives in HK?
I do drive from Macau to HK. Yes! I am base in Macau with Macau HK dual license plate vehicle.
Would love your impression on Hong Kong vs pre covid/ Chinese takeover.
What Chinese takeover are you talking about? The one fed to you by the western mainstream media? Hong Kong is a Chinese city and has always belonged to China. With the exception of the time it was illegally and brutally annexed by the a British regime (and by Japan during WWII) . Since Britain's departure in 1997, HK's economy has tripled and the city has significantly more freedom, yes, freedom. Case in point, under the...
What Chinese takeover are you talking about? The one fed to you by the western mainstream media? Hong Kong is a Chinese city and has always belonged to China. With the exception of the time it was illegally and brutally annexed by the a British regime (and by Japan during WWII) . Since Britain's departure in 1997, HK's economy has tripled and the city has significantly more freedom, yes, freedom. Case in point, under the British regime, all media had to be vetted by London and the local majority were not in charge of their own land. Now, I can pick up copies of the WSJ or NYT at a newsstand or switch on the TV to watch CNN, all profoundly anti-China "news" outlets with frequent anti-China/HK headlines. Please educate yourself.
No, I lived in HK pre-1997 and it is now a sad shadow of what it was back then.
This is such a sad topic. Aren't we all kinda in agreement the more freedom for Hong Kong, the better?
Have you heard the 'Hong Kong' anthem? Glory to Hong Kong? I won't lie; it brings tears to my eyes thinking this special experiment is facing eternal night with China taking over.
Ugh, I had better not say more. Glory to Hong Kong!
Thank you for remembering. Hugely appreciated by a lot of Hong Kong people.
We loved the Ritz Carlton. Amazing views from a corner suite on the 100+ floor. Amazing club room and the highest floor bar in the world. I think.
You need to review the Regent. As others have mentioned great views right on the habor I had two stays in the Jr Suite at the apex of the builindgs two sides of the building 270 degree views. Club was excelent and both were Birthday stays with lovely BDay Cake as one of the amenity this of course was when it was the InterContinental. I used my Ambasssadore Weekend Cert, natch!
Throwawayname is correct! I've stayed at the Ibis North Point 3 times over the years. Inexpensive, near plenty of restaurants and only a couple of blocks from the MTR station and one block from a ferry station.
I've been there just last month and the Harbor view rooms are excellent value with amazing views. Personally love it since I don't mind limited service properties, but it might be a bit outside the purview of the whole points and mile hotel game.
You can earn or redeem Accor points as normal, and even silver status should ensure that you get a room with a view even if you have paid the slightly lower rate which doesn't officially include it. Lots of full-service hotels in HKG have small rooms, so, unless you were planning to get a junior suite or similar, it's not like you're losing out on much space either.
The Conrad at pacific place is my go to hotel in HKG. Some stunning views.
I stayed here my First Trip Around the World used points with a couple stackabble offers to get Club room with view And great neighborhood with short walk to Hong Kong Park and the Peak
I was puzzled years ago when I saw the start of construction on this lot. I used to work in a tower in that area, and that particular strip of office development is one of the least inspiring parts of HK island. The site they chose was already boxed in on nearly all sides.
Most business travelers to Hong Kong prefer to stay on the island side, so I believe Marriott chose to take this...
I was puzzled years ago when I saw the start of construction on this lot. I used to work in a tower in that area, and that particular strip of office development is one of the least inspiring parts of HK island. The site they chose was already boxed in on nearly all sides.
Most business travelers to Hong Kong prefer to stay on the island side, so I believe Marriott chose to take this site to get a St Regis hotel on the island, as so few large plots come available in Central and Wanchai. However, given the location, I really don't believe they'll be able to compete on rates with the Mandarin, Four Seasons, Islabd Shangri-La etc. mor cinfusingly, Marriott has once again confused brand standards here - the JW Marriott at Pacific Place offers a better location and far better views, the St Regis location is simply a massive step down. The JW will be the better hotel to choose for most people if you want to stick to Marriott.
I loved the view at the Ritz when I stayed several years ago. The hotel is on floors 102-118 so basically unobstructed views of the Hong Kong side and is beautiful at sunset.
I had wonderful views from Renaissance Harbour View. I believe it's in same complex as Grand Hyatt.
I haven't stayed there, but surely the view from the Ritz Carlton is amazing.
It is amazing. Stayed twice and it’s one of my favorite hotels in the world. I don’t have other HK hotel experience but I can only imagine some of the other hotels touted has having “better” views are because the ritz is SO high up you might start to lose a bit of the atmosphere. But make no mistake, you could sit and look at the ritz view for an eternity.
The best value view in the whole of Hong Kong is available at the Ibis North Point!
Or the Salisbury YMCA next to the Peninsular for a fraction of the cost
Shhhhh quiet. People don't need to know that you can get a tiny but clean harbor view room for less than 50 USD on weekdays. Stayed there twice.
Peninsula has unparalleled, almost 180-degree harbor views, especially if you are on a higher floor.
Unparalleled? Best views by far are from the Rosewood. FS has great views too, but doesn't get any better than Rosewood. Peninsula is situated further back. Great hotel though.
Totally agree
Four Seasons has the best view and great location, very central to everything and it's located in a mall.
FS HK also has zero personality. Bland template hotel for FS.
Couldn't agree more, the views are terrific. Plus the pool overlooking, my gosh. My only issue is that you can't eat by the pool which I find odd.
What are the Hong Kong hotels with the best views?
Can only speak from my experience but I had an upgraded suite at the JW Marriott with incredible views overlooking the harbor and of Kowloon (obviously on Hong Kong side) from both the living area and bedroom windows. Also a benefit is it is attached to an incredible mall and has a metro station basically underneath the hotel so you don't even have to go outside.
Regent
I have not stayed there but just had a similar experience in Bangkok, a city I also think has spectacular views from hotel rooms.
I recently stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Unfortunately a new building has just been constructed next door, with the equivalent of a small street between the buildings. Now all the rooms on the south side of the Waldorf Astoria have a view of a wall. And to clarify, when...
I have not stayed there but just had a similar experience in Bangkok, a city I also think has spectacular views from hotel rooms.
I recently stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Unfortunately a new building has just been constructed next door, with the equivalent of a small street between the buildings. Now all the rooms on the south side of the Waldorf Astoria have a view of a wall. And to clarify, when we checked in they told us the room looked out to “a wall.”
This was super disappointing and while we were able to negotiate to be moved to the other side of the hotel (north side), the views were just as sad. Uninteresting buildings or a 6th floor tennis court on an adjacent rooftop.
While the room was fabulous, I’ll never stay at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok again for lack of view.
Do Bangkok hotels have any views that are particularly scenic?
Would like to know this too! Going next week (booked for st Regis but open to a swap…
Try the new Ritz-Carlton Bangkok!
I've stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel, which is right on the river and has great views
IMHO, the most scenic hotels are located opposite Wat Arun where you can get a view of Wat Arun across the river and Wat Pho and the Grand Palace on their rooftop bars/restaurants. They're boutique hotels with small rooms though. Most of the other top hotels in the city offer views of skyscrapers, the river or the parks but it's the combination of the river with these 3 uniquely Thai landmarks that makes it the best for me.
Feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to not try some non-points hotels in Hong Kong since they're among the best; maybe you can remedy that for your next trip.
For views, I'd suggest the Upper House on the island side and/or the Rosewood on the Kowloon side. There's also the newly renovated Regent (which is a points hotel, but not as good as the other two mentioned). The Four Seasons pool also has a great view.
Stayed at the Regent before it was rebranded from IHG and agree the view was incredible. Doing a short stay in a few months and still haven't figured out where to stay, where I will replicate that amazing view again.
@Brodle
The former-IC Hong Kong was definitely a crowd favourite for the view, and probably one of the best conventional views (I exclude RC because that's more of a "helicopter view", which you either love it or feel it's meh).
The Regent is back -the Intercontinental was re-branded after a multi-million $ renovation. Great reviews on FT.
Weak room upgrade
They ain't giving suites away to diamonds if they can sell 'em for cash.
I think it is safe to say that a St Regis will not grant an upgrade to a Diamond. Think about it. That being said, Ben said none were available.
There is no "Diamond" level with Marriott (which includes St Regis)! Also, even as Titanium (which I am) or Ambassador, there is no guarantee of a suite especially if they are sold out or otherwise unavailable. Frankly the upgraded room looks very nice. First world problem to expect a suite on a short stay for a single traveler. REALLY?!
Diamond, titanium, platinum, globalist... the point still stands, no matter what the program calls their top tier.
Ben - I was just in HK last week and stayed in the Upper House. Have you tried it? It’s truly phenomenal with large rooms & great views